Health & Safety Abroad

medications and health

Bring enough medication with you for the entire semester (medications cannot be sent through the mail)

Check whether or not they are controlled substances in your study abroad country

Bring all prescription medicines along with your original prescriptions

Long term health care needs such as physical therapy or counseling can often be met overseas with planning.  Please notify our office your study abroad provider with questions.

Consider getting a physical or check up before you go – the Vanderbilt Travel Health Clinic is a great resource

street smarts

In Public:

Be wary of how you hold your purse or handbag.  Keep it in front of you and make sure that your purse of bag is fully zipped.

Be wary of where you keep your wallet – a back pocket is exactly where thieves expect it to be. 

Avoid wearing conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry.  Do not become an easy target for thieves!

When overseas, avoid demonstrations and other situations that may become unruly or where anti-American sentiments may be expressed

Out and About:

Avoid placing your purse or bag on the back of your chair or at your feet while in a public place.  These are easy targets for robberies.

Take extra caution while using internet cafes.  Since these places are frequented by Americans, robbery is also common.

Tell a friend what your plans are, let people know when they should expect you back

Traveling

Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas or on any forms of public transportation.

Keep a close eye on luggage while on a train, especially overnight trips.  Try to keep your bag with you at all times (even in bed!)

Locks for zippers can be a good deterrent

resources

HEALTH

Vanderbilt Student Health Center  (615)322-2427                    www.vanderbilt.edu/student_health

Call to schedule a 30 minute appointment at least four weeks before your departure date.

Vanderbilt Travel Health Clinic  need phone number

http://www.vanderbilttravelclinic.com/

Centers for Disease Control - www.cdc.gov/travel

Travel Health Online - www.tripprep.com    

Medical College of Wisconsin Travel Healthlink -www.healthlink.mcw.edu/travel-medicine    

SAFETY

Department of State – A Safe Trip Abroad http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html

Department of State – Study Abroad http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html

Department of State – Consular Information Sheets http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

Department of State – Travel Warnings

http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html                                                                    

DESTINATION GUIDES

Moon Travel Guides www.moon.com

Lonely Planet www.lonelyplanet.com

Frommer’s www.frommers.com

Rough Guide www.roughguides.com